In 1977, a passionate collective of artists and artisans shared a vision of bringing powerful stories to life for Tampa Bay, and so American Stage was founded. As we enter our 46th season, we are thrilled to see how our offerings have grown abundantly.
In addition to our six vibrant mainstage productions, we now offer free community engagement programming, youth and adult theatre education classes, a children’s musical performed throughout Pinellas County public schools and the largest annual outdoor theatre event in the region. We are the longest running, most critically acclaimed professional theatre in Tampa Bay.
Yet beyond our accolades, what makes American Stage special is our mission to touch the hearts and minds of all who engage with us. We have fostered a home for curiosity, exploration and connection. We have created a learning environment for generations of theatre enthusiasts.
Meet Carter:
A local high school student who had the opportunity to be a part of our Wright On! program, a semester-long, in-school playwriting residency that allows students to experience in-depth dramatic writing, creative expression, and theatre arts coursework each year. As his classmates decided on the subjects of their individual plays, Carter approached his Teaching Artist, Ivy, with a compelling request… to write a play about his own life and the future he envisioned. And write he did. His play became a personal narration, highlighting pivotal moments in his life. It concluded with his aspirations to achieve success, become a loving father, and continue pursuing his passion for the arts.
Carter’s play was ultimately selected to be featured at the American Stage Lift Every Voice New Play Festival. The Write On! program was a transformative experience that opened up a sense of belonging, and allowed Carter to see a wider array of possibilities for his future.
This is why we share stories. This is why art matters. And this is why your support is critical.
The journey at American Stage continues and we will stand resolute in sharing powerful stories. We will do it with music, and dance, with witty repartee, electrifying dialogue, moments that make you hold your breath, and silliness that makes you giggle; we will pull those stories out of the swirling ether and bring them to you with heart. We will tell you stories of hope.
That is what you preserve when you support American Stage and now, more than ever, is such an important time to give.
Please consider making a gift today – continue the journey with us.
Your partner in art,
Helen R. Murray
Producing Artistic Director
P.S.
Carter was given private coaching leading up to the day of the festival. When the day arrived, he stood on stage and introduced his story to a room full of strangers … who upon hearing his play, gave him a standing ovation.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
American Stage's journey began in 1977. A passionate collective of artists and artisans shared a vision of bringing powerful stories to life for Tampa Bay.
In addition to our six vibrant mainstage productions, we now offer free community engagement programming, youth and adult theatre education classes, a children’s musical performed throughout Pinellas County public schools and the largest annual outdoor theatre event in the region. We are the longest running, most critically acclaimed professional theatre in Tampa Bay.
Yet beyond our accolades, what makes American Stage special is our mission to touch the hearts and minds of all who engage with us. We have fostered a home for curiosity, exploration and connection. We have created a learning environment for generations of theatre enthusiasts.
This is why we share stories. This is why art matters. And this is why your support is critical.
That is what you preserve when you support American Stage, and now more than ever is such an important time to give.
Please consider making a gift today – continue the journey with us.
Donate here: americanstage.org/art-matters